Capitol Lakes

We’re excited to share that Lauren Sczepanski has stepped into her new role as HR Director at Capitol Lakes!

Lauren first joined Capitol Lakes as an intern and has since grown into a trusted leader in HR—known for her dedication to supporting employees and creating a positive workplace culture. From onboarding new hires to helping team members navigate benefits, growth, and career paths, Lauren has always been passionate about setting people up for success.

“I really enjoy being a go-to resource for employees—helping them feel supported and confident in their roles,” Lauren says.

Now, as HR Director, she’s excited to continue building strong teams and fostering the supportive, community-focused environment that makes Capitol Lakes so special.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with friends and family, practicing yoga, and getting out on the lakes in the summer—with her fiancé and their lab, Winnie. 🐾

Please join us in congratulating Lauren on this exciting next chapter!

In honor of Older Americans Month, we’re continuing to celebrate the remarkable residents who make Capitol Lakes such a special community. Today, we’re proud to recognize Gloria and Ron, whose lives reflect a deep commitment to service, innovation, and caring for others.

Gloria built a remarkable career in nursing, specializing in cardiology and later leading an intensive care unit. Beyond her work in healthcare, she founded a garden design business, lectured at the Chicago Botanic Garden, and dedicated herself to therapy dog work. With their golden retriever Amos, she helped children build confidence in reading—an effort honored with a commemorative statue. She continues that legacy today with Libby, whose visits bring joy to residents and staff.

Ron’s contributions to medicine are equally meaningful. As a cardiologist, he helped pioneer an early paramedic program and founded a cardiac rehabilitation clinic, creating spaces where patients could heal together. His dedication fostered not just care, but a true sense of community among those he served.

Together, Gloria and Ron have always been guided by a strong sense of community—something they continue to bring to life each day at Capitol Lakes. Gloria and Ron truly reflect the spirit of Older Americans Month, and we are so lucky to have them as part of our Capitol Lakes community!

In celebration of Older Americans Month, we are proud to recognize Capitol Lakes residents Bob and Marney Scheele for their lifelong dedication to creativity, service, and community. Since arriving at Capitol Lakes, they have brought a wealth of experiences and a passion for staying engaged in meaningful ways that enriches those around them.

From their East Coast beginnings to building a life in Madison, where they raised their family, Bob and Marney have embraced each chapter with purpose. Marney’s work as a librarian included creating a Reading Is Fundamental program in a correctional facility, fostering literacy and connection for families. Bob’s career evolved from academia to entrepreneurship, where he discovered a love of woodworking—crafting unique furniture pieces that still fill their home today.

In retirement, their commitment to giving back has remained strong. Marney has already taken an active role at Capitol Lakes, leading the “Give and Take” donations drive in support of the Staff Appreciation Fund. Together, they continue to pursue their shared interests in creativity, volunteering, and lifelong learning.

Bob and Marney truly embody the spirit of Older Americans Month, showing that every new chapter is an opportunity to contribute, connect, and thrive. We are grateful to have them as part of the Capitol Lakes community!

Thinking about your next move?

We’re hiring for roles across our community—and we’re committed to supporting you from day one. With health coverage starting your first month, generous PTO, retirement contributions, commuter perks, and more, you’ll be supported every step of the way.

Explore our openings and apply today! https://ow.ly/sMVv50YQLyL

Here at Capitol Lakes, we enjoy so many wonderful meals thanks to our talented culinary team, and today we’re excited to spotlight our Chef de Cuisine, Eric Benedict.

Eric has been part of our community for just over two years, bringing fresh ideas, thoughtful menu planning, and a deep appreciation for how meaningful dining is to residents. As he shares, “I love how much our residents enjoy their meals here, and what a big part of their daily life the dining experience we provide for them is. It is very validating.”

Eric’s favorite food is Vietnamese cuisine — especially bun bo hue, pho, fresh spring rolls, and banh mi, all known for their clean, bright flavors. When he’s not in the kitchen, he enjoys foraging, hiking, and traveling.

Thank you, Eric, for sharing your talent and making every meal an experience to remember at Capitol Lakes! 🍽️

Behind every great meal is a great chef! 👨‍🍳 Today we’re spotlighting Mark Walters, our Executive Chef and the creative mind behind the delicious dining experiences we enjoy here at Capitol Lakes.

Mark has been part of our community for 10 years, bringing bold flavors, thoughtful menu planning, and a genuine love for serving residents. As he shares, “I enjoy cooking food and planning menus for our residents. I love and appreciate the strong culinary team we have at Capitol Lakes.”

A fan of all types of cuisines, Mark’s creativity doesn’t stop in the kitchen — he also loves drawing and painting, working on home projects, and coaching baseball.

Thank you, Mark, for guiding our kitchen with passion and setting the standard for exceptional dining. Our community is lucky to have you.

Great dining starts with great leadership! 👨‍🍳 Meet Cecil McGrew, our Dining Services Director at Capitol Lakes, and the first spotlight as we celebrate the talented team behind our exceptional dining experiences.

For the past 2.5 years, Cecil has brought passion and teamwork to our community, sharing, “What I love most is working together to provide great dining experiences for our residents and their loved ones.” When it comes to food, Cecil is open to anything delicious—but Japanese cuisine is his top pick! Outside the kitchen, you’ll find him on the softball field or cheering on his kids as a proud soccer dad.

Thank you, Cecil, for your leadership and commitment to making every meal special at Capitol Lakes. Stay tuned as we introduce more of the amazing leadership behind our dining program🍽️